Category Archives: Book Reviews

Walking The Twilight Path is a book that focuses on death. It is also a manual for those with an interest in learning how to work with death energies and spirit communications. The book is extremely thurough in discussing death rituals and personal preparation, death and funeral history, as well as personal preparation of mind, body and spirit for energy work.

The book provides detailed ritual excercises and personal preparation excercises to help you learn to work with spirit energies. It has a self evaluation test as well as many journaling excercises for those who choose to follow the Twilight Path as a ritual practice or are considering making such a decision, as well as also being an informative guide to those who study energy, healing and/or paranormal phenomena and spirit communication practices.

Even if you do not chose to take such a path, I found that this book helped me on a personal level, not only to, help me make choices, as to how far I am willing to go into studying spirit energy and the paranormal, but also helped me to evaluate my own personal level of spiritual awareness, and helped me to face my own mortality.

This book would be of interest to those who are into learning about death customs, rituals, history and funeral rites and spirituality.

Ms. Belanger has drawn her information from the wisdom of magicians, Tibetan Buddists, shamans, ancient Egyptians and others, detailing very interesting facts and customs. She also includes beautiful cemetery and headstone photos and the book is beautifully illustrated. She even provides recipes for helpful herb and oil and incense blends to help with spirit communications and ritual practices, and discusses some of the history behind the herbs and potions she mentions in the book. I also like the fact that she lists an extensive bibliography of recommended reading and source materials. All in all, I found this book to be extremely interesting, informative and soul stirring. I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in learning something new and fascinating about death, rituals and customs and working with ” otherworld” energies.

I have really enjoyed the book and though I have not yet chosen to walk this path as a ritualistic way of life, I have learned some very useful information that I can, and have applied to my daily life, my spiritual awareness and my personal study of the paranormal. It has also helped me face my fears about death and dying and has helped me to appreciate life in a more intense way. I believe that regardless of your personal beliefs, religion or your chosen path, that everyone who reads this book can come away with something to enrich their lives. I would highly recommend this book to those with an interest in learning death related history, shamanic and mystical rituals and those who want to overcome their fears of death and dying.

Michelle Belanger is an occult researcher, author and lecturer. She has appeared on radio and television shows in the United States and abroad. She has appeared on networks such as History, WE and A&E. She is well known for her expertise on vampires. She studies a wide range of topics, including paranormal phenomena, energy work, folklore, shamanism and Gothic Sub-Culture. She also teaches and lectures on energy work at private ritual workshops and national conventions. Michelle is also a talented song writer and vocalist and has been involved with several musical groups such as the dark metal band URN and Nox Arcana. She is a former 1990’s editor of Shadowdance Magazine. Michelle is also the founder of House Kheperu, a magikal society based in part on the concept of death and rebirth.

You can find Walking The Twilight Path- A Gothic Book of The Dead by Michelle Belanger at www.llewellyn.com

Dark Fiction lovers and horror fans won’t want to miss this chance, to explore the world of the supernatural, the occult, dark creatures, maniacs and eternal damnation, in Alexander S .Brown’s book, Traumatized. Published in 2008 by Xlibris.

Fans of the horror genre are in for a treat as Alexander S. Brown presents a fascinating and raw collection of 15 short stories and novellas that will surely bring chills down your spine.

I had the opportunity to meet the author, Alexander S. Brown, at the February Fright Fest 2011, in Jackson Mississippi this month. I also had the pleasure of exchanging books with Mr. Brown. He is a delightful person, with a sincere love for the horror genre. I found his book to be quite an exciting surprise! But, definately not for the faint of heart, weak of mind, nor is it a book for young readers..

Mr. Brown told some tales in his book, that not only made me shudder, but actually disturbed my core. This is the effect that a true horror story should leave the reader with. If a horror story, doesn’t rake a nerve or two, then it isn’t worth reading, in my opinion.

With that being said, Alexander S. Brown is a true, horror story-teller and excellent, dark fiction writer, he definately raked raw, a nerve or two of mine, with his chilling book of tales. I had to keep reminding myself that it was just fiction.

I encourage all horror and dark fiction fans, to get a copy for yourself and read it…… but with fair warning…. you might be left, a bit Traumatized.

I would like to thank Alexander Brown for his permission in using his photo and his cover art for this blog post, and for taking the time to speak with me about his book, for allowing me the opportunity to read it, and write a blog post about it for our Darkpens readers. But mostly, thanks, for giving me the creepy crawlies, I love that in a good book of horror stories.

You can read more about Traumatized and the author, Alexander S. Brown, or check out an excerpt from the book, by visiting www.traumatizedsouls.com or by going to the publishers website at www.Xlibris.com

Book Review and Darkpens Post written by Angela L Burke- MSSPI Darkpens Blogger

Stephen Hill takes you on a spine tingling journey into the mysteries of the afterlife and what awaits us on the other side. A mysterious voice captured on the audio of his camcorder during a local cemetery visit causes him to question his perception of reality, religion and even his own sanity. These questions lead him back to the cemetery in an attempt to find answers to mysteries that he cannot comprehend. He soon realizes that something has followed him home from the graveyard, something that wants to make it’s presence known. Yes, Something Unseen!

This gripping tale of one man’s journey into the other side will keep you on the edge of your seat. Stephen Hill went into the graveyard that day to do a little genealogical research. He walked away with more than he bargained for. What happens when we die? Is that it, or is there more? After reading this book you may never look at the afterlife the same again! This book may haunt you…so don’t read it alone!

About the Author- Stephen Hill

Stephen Hill is an Empath and an Electronic Medium. He is also the Founder of Piedmont Paranormal Research and is a haunted homeowner. You can check out some of his work on his YouTube Channels at

I had the pleasure of reading Something Unseen last night and I have to say, that I was very impressed at Stephen HIll’s story telling ability. I read the book from start to finish in 4 hours without stopping. It held my attention the entire time and I couldn’t wait to read what happened next. I think it is a really great book and one that all paranormal investigators and researchers should take the time to read. I enjoyed the fact that it was based on his personal experiences and I could identify with much of what he experienced and the questions that he asked himself. I also enjoyed his sense of humor as well as his ability to tell a chilling tale and I would highly recommend the book. My only disappointment was that I wanted to see his pictures and hear his audio clips for myself. So now I’m making my way to his paranormal website to do just that.

Excellent job Mr Hill ! Thank you for sharing your book with me and I certainly came away with a new way of looking at the paranormal. I’m sure that on my next trip to the cemetery, the experiences you shared in your book will be in the back of my mind. I enjoyed the book very much and am grateful that I had the chance to read it.

The subject of witchcraft has exerted fascination throughout recorded history. Witchcraft The History & Mythology explores the bizarre and often political terrain of the witch’s universe. Tales of vampires and werewolves, legends of fairies and demons can be found here. As can be found the history of the very real and tragic human abominations of the witch burning times and the heroes who stood against these atrocities of madness. Sorcerer’s Merlin, Morgan le Fay, heroin Joan of Arc and villainess Medea, the hysterical youngsters of Salem Mass and the helpless innocence that they accused, are among the many stories and characters contained in its contents. Less well-known victims, men , women and children tortured and accused out of ignorances and ill wills, including the priest Urbain Grandier, who was accused of bewitching a convent with a bunch of roses and was then burned alive. Because the arts of magic and the fears of them are timeless and universal, the scope of this book covers content from all continents and includes many modern forms of witchcraft today. Lavishly illustrated from sources around the world, with engravings, photographs, woodcuts and the art of those with a compelling interest in mythology and the occult.

Witchcraft The History & Mythology provides a comprehensive and balanced account of a sometimes dark and misunderstood subject and sheds light on some of its legends, myths and historical origins.

About The Author

Richard Marshall of Yorkshire England, was educated at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge. He lives in upstate New York. He was the chief contributing writer for Reader’s Digest Mysteries of The Unexplained ( 1982) and a collection of essays published as Strange Amazing & Mysterious Places ( 1993)HarperCollins. The Updated version of Witchcraft History & Mythology includes new material on Wicca and modern witchcraft by contributing editor Clare Gibson. Published 1995 & 2006 by Saraband Ltd. The Arthouse 752-756-Argyke St, Glasgow G3 8UJ Scotland. ISBN-10 1-887354-03-4

Personal Review

I personally own and have read the book and often refer to it while doing research related to paranormal related history and legends. I found it very informative as well as interesting reading and the illustrations and graphics were excellent. I believe that all paranormal researchers should have a copy of it in their library as a reference source.

Anatomy Of The Spirit is an excellent book, written by premier practitioner and internationally acclaimed medical intuitive and motivational speaker Carolyn Myss PhD

Thru her workshops, books, videos and audiotapes, Dr. Myss, who is able to discern illness thru intuitive means, has motivated people from all walks of life to examine their souls and improve their health.

Based on 15 years of research into energy medicine, Dr Myss has presented a unique program for promoting spontaneous physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Anatomy Of The Spirit shows the reader the links between emotional and spiritual stresses and specific illnesses in the context of the anatomy of the human energy system. Dr Myss teaches the system of energy medicine specific to the emotional, psychological and physical factors that lie at the root of all illness.

Anatomy Of The Spirit also includes Dr. Myss’s model of the body’s seven centers of spiritual and physical power in which she includes the ancient wisdom of 3 spiritual traditions, The Hindu Chakra, The Christian Sacraments and The Kabbalah’s Tree of Life. With this model, Dr. Myss shows you how you can develop your own latent powers of intuition as you simultaneously improve your own personal power and spiritual maturity.

About The Author-

Carolyn Myss, Ph D is an internationally sought after speaker on Spirituality and Personal Power. She is co-author of The Creation of Health with C. Norman Shealy, MD, Ph D. ( Founder of the American Holistic Medical Society) She has worked as a Medical Intuitive since 1982.

I have personally read this book and would highly recommend it. It was one of the best examples of explaining the Chakra’s of the human body that I have ever read. While this book does not necessarily fall under the heading of Dark Literature, it does tend to fall into the category of intuitive discernment and healing, which is also considered a genre of the paranormal community. I felt that even if it wasnt about ghosts, it is about the spirit or soul of human beings and therefore qualified as an appropriate topic. There are many paranormal researchers who find this course of study to be of interest. I would encourage everyone to read this book, whether you study the paranormal or not. I found it very informative and helpful in areas of my own life and I believe that regardless of your personal health status, there is something for everyone to learn or come away with by reading this book. The book can be purchase at www.randomhouse.com, published in 1996 by Crown Publishers

Waking Brigid is Francis Clark’s first novel. A devoted Savannah native, Clark has captured the essence of the city in this book, while evoking the evils both human and unhuman that descend upon a place- and those with the moral courage to confront that evil. After a career in advertising and magazines, Clark devoted himself to writing full time and completed Waking Brigid and one other novel prior to his untimely death in 2007.

The story is set in the post Civil War era in which Savannah has escaped largely unscathed. But the horrors of war and the madness that men do linger in the air. A beautiful Irish nun Brigid Rourke arrives in this dark and battered city to do good in the service of her faith as a nurse. As a child she was given over to the Church to ensure her survival in a time of great famine in her native Ireland. But to take her place in the Convent, she had to reject her pagan heritage. But the gifts of being an “heriditary” with the gifts some would consider the workings of a “witch” still remain deep inside her. She strives to keep her secret and perform her duties in the Church, all the while being drawn to her family pagan heritage. She is tested when a prominant Savannah native is brutally murdered in a local Insane Asylum behind it’s locked and bolted doors. As a select group of priest, trained in white magic conviene on the city, Brigid comes to know that their powers alone may not be enough to stop the evil that has been summond. The book is an amazing story of the clash between white magicians and satanic worshipers for the soul of the city of Savannah.

“I found this an excellent book, I could not put it down. The setting and the mystic of the city of Savannah and the fight between good and evil was outstanding. I would highly recommend the book to those who like stories from the dark side.” Angela L Burke of the MSSPI Research team

Father Andrew Greely wrote:

” Imagine a coven of killers evil worshipers in post Civil War Savannah, a strong voodoo cult, and a band of doomed Catholic excorsists who depend for their safety on an Irish born nun with extraordinary gifts. Waking Brigid is a fast paced, nail biting fantasy tail of the perennial battle between good and evil- and good of course speaks with a brogue! “